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Get Moving At One Of These Upcoming Races

On your marks, get set, GO….

Governor’s Cup Road Race – Columbia, SC – Saturday, February 22

Come out for the 48th Annual Governor’s Cup Road Race! Participants have the option of running either a half-marathon or a 5k through Columbia. The half-marathon takes runners over the Congaree River bridges, while the 5k is a fairly flat route through several of Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. Runners with children can participate in a kid-friendly 1-mile race.

Leap Frog 5K– North Myrtle Beach, SC – February, 29

Celebrate leap year in North Myrtle Beach! Dress up in costume while running a 5k or participating in a 1-mile fun run. Prizes will be awarded to the participants with the most fun costumes and The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach will receive a portion of the race proceeds.

Myrtle Beach Marathon – Myrtle Beach, SC – Saturday, March 7

Sign up for the marathon, half-marathon, 5k, or family fun run (approx. 1 mile) for a weekend of fun. Dave & Buster’s is kicking off the weekend with the beachfront Health and Wellness Expo on Friday, March 6th. On Saturday, runners can find two post-race celebrations after crossing the finish line! This race is a great way to explore the scenic coastline of Myrtle Beach and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Ashley River Adventure Race– Summerville, SC – March, 21*

This year is the 2nd annual Ashley River Adventure Race. The event includes a 5k trail run, followed by an 8-mile downriver paddle and ends with a post-race party at Middleton Place. Not a runner? No worries! Come participate in the fun float where you can enjoy a leisurely, untimed paddle down the Ashley River.

*Participants must come prepared with their own kayak or stand up paddleboard. Rentals are available at Edisto River Adventures if needed.

Cooper River Bridge Run – Charleston, SC – Saturday, April 4*

Every year, around 40,000 runners take part in the Cooper River Bridge Run, crossing the Ravenel Bridge on their journey to downtown Charleston. The 10k race starts in Mount Pleasant and ends downtown on Meeting Street. This is one of the largest 10k races in the U.S. and is one of Charleston’s biggest events of the year! Runners are invited to a post-race festival in Marion Square to enjoy entertainment, vendors, food, and refreshments!

*Expect road closures Friday and Saturday this weekend.

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A Small Win For Santee Cooper Direct-Serve And Electrical Cooperative Customers

While Santee Cooper’s millions of direct-serve and electrical cooperative customers await a decision from lawmakers on the future of the state-owned utility, a trial date has been set for the ongoing lawsuit between Santee Cooper and its customers.

Last week, former South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice, special Judge Jean Toal, set the trial date for April 20.

The decision was a significant blow to debt-riddled Santee Cooper, which will now give lawyers representing the millions of Santee Cooper customers time to go through tens of thousands of documents that were turned over by Santee Cooper just one day before the trial date was set.

Santee Cooper customers filed the lawsuit in August 2017 seeking refunds for the millions they had already paid and to put an end to the continual payments they were being charged for the failed V.C. Summer project.

For years, customers have paid extra fees on their monthly bills. Santee Cooper spent approximately $4.7 billion on the failed nuclear project and rely only on their customers to pay the company’s debt.

It was just last month that U.S. Judge Terry Wooten sent the lawsuit back to state court to be heard by special Judge Jean Toal.

Judge Toal’s decision also allowed the case to become a class-action lawsuit allowing for many more people to be able to seek refunds. Also in her decision, Judge Toal did not limit the potential monetary penalties and suggested that Santee Cooper should find a way to settle the case so that a trial could be avoided.

Meanwhile, Santee Cooper continues to rack up legal fees to fight back, adding even more to the billions of debt already owed and being paid by its customers.

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Discussions About Santee Cooper Continue

Featured Image: Charleston City Paper

We’re two weeks into South Carolina’s 2020 legislative session and the talk around what to do with state-owned Santee Cooper continues.

The latest to speak out on the issue is founder and CEO of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, Marilyn Hemingway, who was reported saying “Santee Cooper has forgotten its mission of providing low-cost services”, by The Chronicle.

During her interview, Hemingway referenced both the $250 million loss in 2009 after the state-owned utility pulled the plug on the Pee-Dee coal plant before construction finished as well as the billions of dollars wasted during the 2017 abandonment of the V.C. Summer project.

Furthering her point, she alluded to the millions of dollars spent in legal fees after these projects and the newly appointed executives who are paid more than any other state agency, $2.4 million annually.

On top of the overwhelming amount of evidence that points to the wasteful spending, Governor McMaster’s office released a statement stating “Paying off Santee Cooper’s debt will cost direct-serve customers in Horry, Georgetown, and Berkeley counties about $6,200 per household. It will cost customers of the 20 electric cooperatives who distribute Santee Cooper’s power about $4,200 per household.”

The statement left many confused after hearing from Santee Cooper this summer that it would be freezing rates. However, the latest move from Santee Cooper points to this claim as ringing false. The state-owned utility recently filed a motion to stop any reference to future rate hikes during their current class-action lawsuit, hoping to keep jury members in the dark. Critics say the move is similar to Santee Cooper’s lack of transparency during the V.C. Summer fiasco, which also kept ratepayers in the dark.

As lawmakers look at the proposals put in front of them, South Carolina residents, like Hemingway, are recognizing the inevitability of rate hikes if no change is made.

The statement released by Governor McMaster’s office continues by stating the “Governor instructed each of the interested purchasers that they will not consider any proposal which saddles the ratepayers or taxpayers with any of Santee Cooper’s $4.3 billion nuclear construction debt” and that they must provide the state with the best solution possible, one which protects ratepayers while recognizing the valuable contributions of current and former employees of Santee Cooper.”

It is unclear what lawmakers will decide to do with the state-owned utility; however, it is clear that millions of South Carolinians are at risk of increased utility rates and may not even know not it.

Hemingway concluded: “From our point of view, we should start over. Now is the time for South Carolina to show some leadership.”

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South Carolina Lawmakers Issues Santee Cooper and Education

South Carolina Lawmakers Return Tomorrow – Here Are Two Issues You Should Be Watching

Featured Image Source: Andrew Whitaker, Post & Courier

South Carolina lawmakers return to the State House tomorrow, kicking off the 2020 legislative session, and all eyes are on two hot topics: education and Santee Cooper.

Last year, both were said to be a top priority of lawmakers but have found their way rolling into the new year with no clear future.

During the 2019 legislative session, the House passed a massive bill including a complete overhaul of our state’s education system, but the bill spent the remainder of the session being torn apart and dissected by state senators.

Meanwhile, Santee Cooper’s future has been up in the air for far too long while lawmakers go back and forth on what to do with the debt-riddled state-owned utility.

Lawmakers have once again named both issues a top priority this year, and it won’t take long to see if this holds true.

Sometime in the upcoming session, legislators will receive three bids for state-owned Santee Cooper – one a reform plan from Santee Cooper itself, one from a company that would manage the utility, and one from a privately-owned utility that would purchase Santee Cooper.

While supporters from all sides have come forward, lawmakers have a difficult decision to make. They must make sure they choose an option that will protect the millions of people who get their power and water from Santee Cooper and all South Carolina taxpayers.

Since the public was made aware of Santee Cooper’s billions of dollars of debt, many have expressed their concerns over rising electric rates, talk of a taxpayer bailout, and the responsibility of the debt falling on the shoulders of customers.

Palmetto Promise Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting a “free and flourishing South Carolina” and a strong supporter of selling Santee Cooper, stated the only way for South Carolina residents to avoid costs related to Santee Cooper’s debt is a sale.

Experts have found that a sale would allow a write-down of Santee Cooper’s $4 billion in nuclear debt. According to the report, “Over time, that $4 billion could double as interest is charged to customers.”

While lawmakers try to figure out the best way to deal with state-owned Santee Cooper’s debt, they’ll also have to keep in mind the tens of thousands of teachers who are looking for raises, resources and help, and the money it will take for education reform.

All eyes are on our lawmakers now as two major decisions need to be made, quickly.

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8 Must-See South Carolina Holiday Light Displays

Featured Image: Celebrate The Season Driving Tour

Bundle up this holiday season and take some time to go see one of these stunning light displays that can be found around the state. Ranging from cozy downtown displays to long stretches of twinkling lights you can view from the comfort of your car, there’s something for everyone looking to get into the holiday spirit!

Harbour Town Lights

If you have a chance to visit Hilton Head Island this holiday season, definitely make time to walk along the harbour and view the many illuminated seasonal figures, as well as the giant Christmas tree that serves as the centerpiece of the display. If possible, bring a canned good or a new unwrapped toy to donate to the Deep Well Project.

Holiday Lights Safari Benefit

Stop by Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford this month and check out the Holiday Lights Safari. You can enjoy the festive light displays while feeding the park animals, who will come right up to your car as you make your way through!

Celebrate The Season Driving Tour

Head over to Moncks Corner this December for the Celebrate The Season Driving Tour through Old Santee Canal Park powered by Santee Cooper, which will be illuminated with animated light displays all month long (excluding Christmas Eve and Day). Admission is only $5 and all proceeds will go to local charities.

Christmas Park

Each year, the town of Williamston and their Spring Water Festival, as well as many volunteers, provide the funds and manpower to host Christmas Park, “The Christmas parade that stands still.” It features new, original light displays that can be viewed from the car or on foot and is free for all to see.

Main Street Lights

All through December, the streets of downtown Newberry are illuminated with thousands of lights. They even have fake snow and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus every Friday throughout the month.

Holiday Lights On The River

Billed as the Midland’s largest drive-through light show, this Columbia attraction boasts over 400 animated light displays and more than a million individual lights. Open every night through December 31st, there will also be special activities to enjoy such as hayrides through the lights, marshmallow roasting, and visits with Santa!

Fantasy Of Lights

Claiming the title of the largest free Christmas light display in the state is the Fantasy Of Lights display located in Sumter along the beautiful Swan Lake gardens. With more than a million sparkling lights brightening the gardens every night during the month of December, it’s surely worth a visit.

Anderson Christmas Lights

Now in its 26th year, the Anderson Christmas Lights has become a holiday staple of the upstate. Hundreds of volunteers work to cover the 2.5 mile stretch with more than 3 million lights adorning displays, trees, bushes and houses – all of which attracts visitors from all around the state each year.

Let us know which light display you’re most excited to visit!

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How South Carolina Residents Feel About Santee Cooper

South Carolina residents and lawmakers are gearing up for the state’s 2020 legislative session beginning in January and the many hot-button issues that are up for debate this year.

One of the issues at top of mind is that of Santee Cooper.

In January, lawmakers will review recommendations for the state-owned utility, and make a decision on the future of the debt-riddled utility company.

With billions of dollars of debt that customers could be on the hook for, many customers are expressing their concern.

Here are just a few of the responses we’ve seen recently:

“Once again our state government is sticking it to the taxpayers. They allowed this atrocity to go on for years and now they’re increasing salaries! How about the legislators taking a pay cut? Oh, wait. They may not be able to pay their “enhanced” electric bill.” – South Carolina Resident

“Santee Cooper is the largest political honeypot in the State of South Carolina. High paying jobs for connected people, like the security force that’s paid two or three times what LE officers get who actually risk their lives. Executives are overpaid with 6-figure retirements. You have to know someone to get a job there. Facts! Sell the bloody mess and let it be managed properly by a private entity!!!” – Myrtle Beach Area Resident

“I don’t believe the government should be part of the daily operation of any utility.” – South Carolina Resident

“Sell it! A state-owned entity wIll never be as responsive and responsible as a privately-owned entity because it ultimately has no economic owners, has no incentive to be efficient, and has no one to be responsible to. Voters and government officials are simply not the same as shareholders. A state-owned entity is nothing but another political institution.” – Charleston Area Resident

What are your thoughts? Fill out the submit your thoughts form and let your voice be heard.

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South Carolina Legislative Session Santee Cooper

This Issue Has South Carolina Lawmakers Concerned About The Upcoming Legislative Session

South Carolina lawmakers are getting ready for the upcoming legislative session and while there are many pressing issues to discuss, Santee Cooper, in particular, has lawmakers most concerned.

The state-owned utility has been the subject of much controversy, due in large part to their failed V.C. Summer project and increasing debt. Now, many are calling for the privatization of Santee Cooper as a way to save customers from having to pay the billions of dollars of debt through increased utility rates.

While Santee Cooper customers have long awaited the fate of the utility to be decided, lawmakers will finally make a decision in the upcoming session after reviewing recommendations in January. It’s a decision that worries some lawmakers.

Beaufort County Republican Senator Tom Davis told the Charleston City Paper that “The most significant (issue), that is the most complex, is whether or not to sell Santee Cooper, whether to have a management team come in or an alternative to that is to enact some reforms. The implications of what we do will have an effect for decades to come.”

However, a recent report from the South Carolina Club For Growth, a network of South Carolinians that works to promote economic growth, shed light on why some lawmakers would want to see a Santee Cooper sale.

As of right now, Santee Cooper customers are the only ones paying for the around $7 Billion of debt from the failed VC Summer expansion and operational debt. Depending on the outcome of the next legislative session, customers could be on the hook for this debt over the next few decades.

Orangeburg Democratic Senator Brad Hutto told the Statehouse Report that Santee Cooper is “a big deal” and that it’s “probably the thing that has the biggest potential of long-term consequences for the state.”

However, with other high-priority issues such as education, lawmakers and South Carolina residents don’t want to see Santee Cooper take up a lot of the upcoming legislative session. One Surfside Beach resident wrote to The State saying, “Frankly, however, too much time has been spent on Santee Cooper; thankfully, the Legislature has produced a process and a timeline for Santee Cooper and other interested parties to follow. It’s imperative that the timeline is followed. Any extension will only mean that even more legislative sessions will focus on Santee Cooper.”

Only time will tell how state legislators handle the situation, but whatever decision is made will certainly have implications for years to come.

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Kick Off The Holiday Season At Vista Lights

Featured Image: Experience Columbia

‘Tis the season, South Carolina!

For 30 years, Vista Lights has been kicking off the holiday season with its annual event offering family fun and holiday cheer.

The neighborhood open house held from 6-10 pm on Thursday, November 21, will include over 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants offering holiday-themed items as well as mouth-watering dishes. There will be live music and performances throughout the night, and families will love the Kids Zone on Lincoln Street, which will feature face painting, balloon art, reindeer snacks, a giant snow globe that kids can crawl into, and a meet-and-greet with Santa!

Parking will be available at the City of Columbia garage behind the Aloft Hotel, as well as at the South Carolina State Museum. There will be a free continuous shuttle service from the museum to the festival, and street parking is also available, with meters free after 6 pm.

Come have some festive fun, and get into the holiday spirit! We hope to see you there!

Learn more here.

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